Sport

Oxford United's Langan reveals painful past in autobiography

First published
in Sport
by David Pritchard, Chief Sports Reporter covering Oxford United. Follow us on twitter: @oxfordmailoufc. Call me on 01865 425458

IT IS a tired cliché to compare players’ careers to a roller-coaster, but it is an appropriate description considering the dizzy highs and desperate lows experienced by Dave Langan.

The Irishman will be remembered by Oxford United supporters of a certain generation.

As a wholehearted full-back he scored the goal which sealed promotion to the Division 1 in 1984/85 and was part of the Milk Cup-winning side a year later.

But as he details in a brutally honest autobiography, due to be released today, there have also been dark times.

As well as the nightmare of a career plagued by serious injuries and being dropped by the Republic of Ireland just before Euro ‘88, Langan reveals problems in his personal life – many of which had
been kept secret from even close family members.

Despite the difficulties, compiling Running Through Walls (DB Publishers, £12.99) has been a worthwhile experience.

“Lots of it was hard because I went through some tough times, still am, but you have to try and remember every single detail,” he said.

“It was tough looking back on my drinking and the operations, but I think if you’re going to do it you’ve got to be honest and get it all off your chest.

Still remember Pat Jennings trying to stop Langans shot one handed in the Milk Cup. Part of our golden era and fondly remembered. Good luck to you Dave, I urge all Oxford fans to purchase a copy of the book and help him a little, plus I am sure there will be parts that will bring a tear to our eyes. COYY

Still remember Pat Jennings trying to stop Langans shot one handed in the Milk Cup. Part of our golden era and fondly remembered. Good luck to you Dave, I urge all Oxford fans to purchase a copy of the book and help him a little, plus I am sure there will be parts that will bring a tear to our eyes. COYYSteps TDCR

Selfy on Jack FM asked me who my favourite player was, Dave Langan was that man, socks rolled down, up and down the touchline and never gave up.

None of this playacting rubbish, an honest pro all day every day.

Selfy on Jack FM asked me who my favourite player was, Dave Langan was that man, socks rolled down, up and down the touchline and never gave up.
None of this playacting rubbish, an honest pro all day every day.BigAlBiker

Brilliant going forward - not a top tier defender (we hardly had any) - overall a really fine player - with Aldridge, Houghton and Hebberd, our greatest ever player. At our current level, he would have set up about fifty goals a season

Brilliant going forward - not a top tier defender (we hardly had any) - overall a really fine player - with Aldridge, Houghton and Hebberd, our greatest ever player. At our current level, he would have set up about fifty goals a seasonoldun